8v7 Zonal Defending

8v7 Zonal Defending

Objective: Improve zonal defending. 

Specific goals of the 7v6 game:

• Improve the defensive cooperation between the central defenders and the midfielders.
• Improve shifting and sliding and pushing up by the defenders and the midfielder.

Area: Half field plus 10 yards with two large goals. 

Organization

• Play 8v7. The team of 8 play in a 1-2-2-3 formation. The team of 7 play in a 1-4-2 formation. 
• By moving the ball quickly, the team of 7 try to move the defending team, create space and create scoring chances. 
• The team of 6 can score by passing the ball through the air into the hands of the goalkeeper. 
• Start off with two touch limit for the team of 7 to guarantee quick ball movement. 

 

Focus Points

For the team:

• Push up together towards the ball and keep pressure on the ball together when you want to win the ball.
• Force the opponent to the sides, look for bad pass or bad first touch.
• Everyone needs to be connected and participate, including the goalkeeper. 
• After winning the ball, immediately attack.

For central defenders (4 and 5):

• Coach the midfielder in front of you. The midfielders should not get in between the two central defenders.
• Pick up the 10 of the opponent when they go deep. When the 10 receives the ball between the midfielder and the central defender, step up. 
• The distance between the midfielder and defenders cannot be more than 10 to 12 yards.
• Stop pushing up when there is no pressure on the ball.

For midfielders (6 and 8):

• Move with the ball, make the space to the outside defender small when they have to step up and go into a 1v1.
• The other midfielder moves to that side and stays connected.
• When the ball gets into the danger areas, pressure the ball and force the opponent to play the ball sideways or backwards. 
• Communication with the central defenders about taking over opponents, cutting off passing lanes and pressuring. 
• Keep an eye on distances between each other.